(AP) Anchorage - The Ann Arbor AllKnighters began this season much
like they ended last season, shaking their heads about the Abominations.
Anchorage, which seriously wounded the AllKnighters playoff run last
season, took the season opening series 2 games to 1. The
AllKnighters got off on the right foot, lead by the arm of Pedro
Martinez, and squeaked out a 2-1 victory in 13 innings. Pedro dueled
Mike Bottenfield for seven innings, surrendering one run, before making
way for the bullpen with a 1-1 tie. The AllKnighters got a lift from
their bullpen as Dwight Gooden, Carlos Perez and Gary DellaVentura
combined for 6 scoreless innings and allowed only 3 baserunners.
DellaVentura picked up the win while Bottenfield received a no decision
despite 6 scoreless innings. Shane Andrew and Jay Buhner homered in the
AllKnighters runs.
The second game was another photo finish as the Scott Sanders and
Bobby Jones both were unscored upon, but both were gone when the
Abominations claimed a 1-0 victory in the tenth. Anchorage newcomer
Lance Johnson reached base in the tenth after being hit by a pitch and
then stealing second. The winning run was then drove home as Miguel
Cairo doubled Johnson home. Eddie Guardado picked up the victory.
Game three lacked all the drama of the first 2 games as the
Abominations roughed up Paul Wilson for 4 runs in 6 innings to claim a
5-1 victory. William Van Landingham posted another solid Abomination
start allowing 1 run in 6 innings for the win. Cairo was 3-5 with a SB
and a run scored.
The AllKnighters displayed little at the plate, scoring 3 runs in the
series. Joe Girardi and newcomer Cecil Fielder each went 0 for 13 for
the series. On the bright side the maligned AllKnighter bullpen was very
credible pitching 10,2 innings in the series, allowing 3 runs and only 7
total baserunners and picking up a relief win.
AllKnighter newcomers OF Chris Stynes and C Fred Reder will make
their debut as the AllKnighters take on new rival New Diggens in a
weekend series, before returning home for a rematch against Anchorage.
The Frogs will see Paul Quantril, Ira Colon and Martinez on the mound.
